All aboard for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer! Join fellow members and industry friends as we set sail from Chelsea Piers to celebrate the season in style. Enjoy festive cocktails, city lights, and good company on the water.
Attendees Discovered Insight From 20 Leading Industry Experts Driving A New Era Of Wellness And Technology In The Home at EduDay 2025
NKBA NY celebrated Kitchen & Bath Month in style with the recent EduDay activities held throughout the A&D Building. Over 135 design and industry professionals and students were welcomed to the all-day event. Thanks to our generous sponsors, admission was complimentary.
In this post-pandemic, technology-driven era, our homes have become the focal point of how we define health, security, and sustainability. At #EduDay25, the dialogue centered around shaping the next era of design.
With the overall theme Design for Healthy Living, the day highlighted how our industry shapes healthier home environments and spaces that promote wellness, sustainability, and comfort. Each of our four programs drew an average of 80+ attendees, and the enthusiasm throughout the day reflected the strong engagement and curiosity of our industry. Guests signed in at the networking breakfast, then proceeded through a thoughtfully curated lineup of CEU-accredited sessions led by industry experts.
At the Keynote Luncheon, the panel discussed The New Silent Partner—Why AI is No Longer Optional for Designers. That was followed by three additional sessions: Smart Home Technology for Better Living, Health & Nutrition Starts in the Kitchen, and Aesthetics and the Science of Beauty. The final stop was a festive cocktail reception where guests enjoyed refreshments, great company, and exciting raffle prizes courtesy of our generous sponsors.
It was a great day of learning, connecting, and celebrating everything that makes our industry—and our community—so exceptional.
Edu Day check-in breakfast hosted at Fisher & Paykel
Danielle Chery is signed in by Suzie Wheeler from Rev-a-Shelf at the Fisher & Paykel networking breakfast.
Pam McNally of Houzz leads the AI keynote panel with Abiola Amusan and Brendan Flanigan in the Hastings showroom.
Jocelyn Homola, Media Marketing Manager, Hastings Bath Collection, introduces the AI session.
Thermador's Chef Eric Morales has his mise-en-place, ready to show us how to make the delicious rice dish for our luncheon.
Guests are enticed by the aromas, heightening their anticipation for their delicious luncheon at Thermador.
At the Smart Homes, Healthy Lives: Designing Wellness for All Five Senses discussion, moderated by Tony Monteleone, Monteleone Consulting; Frank DeFilippis, Builder Channel Manager for Sonos; Richard Simone, VP Product and Brand Marketing - Appliances & TV for Sharp Electronics; Carson Alsop, Sales Supervisor for Lutron; and Rosie Philidor, A&D Manager for Miele.
Rosie Philidor, Architect and Design Manager at Miele makes a point while Carson Alsop from Lutron listens intently.
Dacor’s Chef, Jean-Bernard Villareal, also spoke about the healthy benefits of sous vide and air frying features available in Dacor appliances. Leslie Clagett, Managing Editor for Kitchen and Bath Business, was moderator of the panel Health and Nutrition Starts in the Kitchen.
Charle-John is flanked by two reel whizzes, Jennifer Mirsky and Yuli Agiv, who both knock out some amazing Instagram and YouTube flicks with a focus on our NKBA chapter members and events. Look for examples in the November newsletter and in ongoing updates.
Many thanks to the DACOR team that helped make their session, Health & Nutrition Starts in the Kitchen, so successful.
Jeannine Price, incoming chapter president is with desiger Chasity Centeno, Riese Design, a panelist on the Aesthetics & Health Panel at the Cosentino showroom.
Aesthetics & Health - The Science of Beauty was moderated by Chandler Pibl, Modern Luxury Interiors, Panelists, left to right: T.J. Costello, Hierarchy Architects + Designers;; Chasity Centeno, Riese Design; Keith Baltimore, Baltimore Design Group; and Barry Richards, Rockwell Group.
Getting ready for their Rockettes kickline, these are some of the superstars that make NKBA a leading attraction for kitchen and bath professionals in the NY area. Left to Right: Toni Sabatino,
Tony Monteleone, Jennifer Mirsky, Barbara Haberman, Julie Schuster, Diana Mosher, Joan Ravasy, Jeannine Price, Charle-John, Ellen Lopez, and Maureen Klein.
And the Runtal raffle prize winner is Rochelle Kalisch of Regency Designs. Runtal sponsored the well-stocked cocktail hour for the closing party.
Brian Gallop, Business Relations Manager/Brand Ambassador of event sponsor GRAFF USA is as excited as the winner of the raffle- Sandra Dolfino!
A Fabulous Factory Tour at Fabuwood
Pictured above: The group gathers in the main entry, just beyond the floor medallion which states Fabuwood's CORE VALUES: OWN IT • POWER OF WE • 100 MPH • POSITIVITY • EMBRACE CHANGE.
By Barbara Haberman
This September, the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter gathered at the A&D Building to board a luxury limo that shuttled the group in style to Fabuwood’s fabulous NJ headquarters. We toured their manufacturing facilities and learned about their premium custom cabinetry offerings, which are smart, stylish, and designed for real life.
Founded in 2009, the company experienced explosive growth, expanding from a few employees to the 1,400+ team it is today. Over the years, Fabuwood has continued to innovate and set the standard in the cabinetry industry. The state-of-the-art facility in Newark, NJ, opened in 2023 and features new technologies that enable fully custom cabinetry to be designed, produced, and delivered within 30 business days or fewer. The company is now recognized as the nation’s largest cabinetry brand, providing speed you can count on, service that feels personal, and quality that exceeds expectations.
During the lunch and learn session, Moses Brach, head of A&D Partnerships for Fabuwood, noted that the top three trending colors and finishes for cabinetry are creams, greens, and light-colored wood stains.
Thank you, Moses Brach, for hosting our chapter for an exclusive Fabuwood factory tour. It was an eye-opening experience to see firsthand how Fabuwood cabinetry is made.
NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter members get ready to head out on their westward bound trip to Fabuwood Headquarters in New Jersey.
With their best foot forward, it looks like these two leaders got the memo, dressed in spiffy navy and cream. Way to go Moses Brach, host and head of A&D, and Jeannine Price, incoming NKBA chapter president.
A big Thank You from NKBA to our fabulous Fabuwood hosts, left to right: Alex Holtzman - NYC Sales Rep; Moses Brach - Head of A&D; Erica Weheimmer - Product Dev Specialist; Lisbeth Fernandez - Graphic Designer and Rena Stoff - Project Manager.
Testing, Testing…Preston McMath and Barbara Haberman are all smiles as the group is busy adjusting headphones before heading into the factory, a great way to hear the tour guide's details above the whir of the sanders and saws on the factory floor.
A beautiful pinwheel display of assorted cheese and fruit, part of the delicious lunch provided by Fabuwood for the NKBA guests.
Sandra Singh gives out badges with Anne Calder while Beth Forer chats with Eran Chelcinski and Ryan Behroozi.
Photos: Barbara Haberman
Where the Year's Final Spark
Meets the Promise of Next
Above, Pam McNally, Charle-John, and Diana Mosher.
Winter Evenings, City Lights, and Shared Moments
November in New York ushers in a special kind of magic; crisp air, glittering lights, and visions of sugar plums starting to dance in our heads, along with that familiar flutter of excitement (and yes, just a hint of holiday panic!). As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on milestones achieved, challenges met, and new ambitions quietly waiting to unfold in the year ahead.
To celebrate, we invite you to our Holiday Winter Party, an elegant dinner cruise along the iconic Hudson River aboard a luxury yacht. Enjoy a refined sit-down dinner on a private deck, sparkling skyline views, and engaging conversation with fellow members and friends. You’re welcome to bring a guest. In the spirit of giving, we’re proud to support Beyond Bedtime. Please bring a new pair of cozy pajamas to contribute. See the invitation to reserve your ticket.
Record-Breaking Success at the 4th Annual EduDay
The reviews are in! Attendees gained valuable insights from 20 leading industry experts who are driving a new era of wellness and technology in the home. Standing-room-only crowds filled all four CEU panel discussions. Feedback from attendees and sponsors has been glowing. As for the After Party Cocktails & Networking Reception, there was great conversation, delicious food, and perfectly mixed drinks. Thanks to Programs Chair Joan Ravasy, with assistance from Julie Schuster, for the amazing decorations and organization.
Next Up
Thursday, November 13th, don’t miss the Kohler & Cambria–sponsored chapter event, featuring guest speaker LuAnn Nigara presenting Success by Design. She's insightful, inspiring, and always energizing.
Member Spotlight
Read about Christopher Maguire, now manager of theBSH Experience & Design Center in the A&D Building. It’s a thoughtful look at his journey and leadership.
Chapter Highlights: Don’t Miss These Updates
The Membership Drive, launched at EduDay 2025, has been extended through December 8th. Non-members, this is your moment! Submit your application, and you’ll be entered to win a Franz Viegner luxury faucet. And, everyone, please take the survey created by Membership Chair, Diana Mosher.
The brief Survey closes in two weeks. Both links are in the Features Section.
Also, read about three of our NKBA Manhattan-NYC friends who are among Kitchen & Bath Design News (KBDN) 2025 Innovators of the Year.
In From The Field column, enjoy an excellent first-hand recap by three of our chapter members of the CEDIA Expo in Denver.
❤️ Looking to give back this season? Join the Advocacy Committee’s Holiday Volunteer Day at God’s Love We Deliver on December 17th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. For details, please contact Chair Rose Ott at rose@roseottdesign.com. Only three spots left!
BDNY at the Javits Center is this Sunday and Monday, November 9th and 10th. Our sponsors, who will be exhibiting, are listed below. Diana Mosher has also organized the judging for the 2nd Annual Inspire Awards at BDNY, sponsored byaspire design and home magazine. The awards celebrate standout products and designs that inspire kitchen and bath professionals everywhere.
Look for our ongoing Check These Out column, which links you to the NKBA’s free webinars. Take advantage!
Scroll Alert: There’s More to Discover—Inspiration Awaits
Photos, links, and highlights from our vibrant design community are waiting below. Dive in, stay inspired, and be part of what’s next. Wishing you a season filled with creativity, connection, and a touch of New York holiday sparkle.
Warmly,
Charlé-John
President, NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter
charle@cjcstrategists.com
Sound Advice
By Maureen Klein
Talk Less, Say More, was that seemingly paradoxical tip that Christopher Maguire, now Manager of theBSH Experience & Design Center, credits with helping him keep moving up on his career path. One proof of this is the prestigious award he received from the French multinational luxury goods conglomerate behind Louis Vuitton. Christopher was recognized for Best Management of Clienteling, an award based on CRM (client/customer relationship management) strategy using data analytics. He had accounts with Bergdorf’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks, and mastered the art of listening and learning about each client’s preferences, purchase history, and lifestyle. He not only built customer loyalty but also demonstrated how he increased the company’s bottom line.
How would you characterize yourself growing up?
I guess you could say I was one of those typical overachievers - wanted to be good at everything, perhaps a little "nerdy". I liked school. I was preppy and wore sport coats to school.
You also had a love of music?
At Woodbridge Senior High School, Virginia, I was focused on music. As a clarinetist, I was first chair in band and was also a "section leader” in the marching band. I also auditioned for and was accepted into the prestigious Prince William County Youth Symphony.
Do you still play the Clarinet?
I do not have time to play these days, probably to the benefit of my NYC apartment neighbors!
Any interesting jobs you held during your teen years?
I was giving clarinet lessons and also interned at an Architectural Agency one summer. The firm specialized in working on US Government projects, mostly GSA (General Services Administration) buildings, remodels. I remember the thrill of the first time I got to provide feedback on the foyer of a building.
World History and French classes were favorites. Was that influenced by your family travels?
Could be. My father was a Military Officer in the Army, so I grew up moving around the US and lived abroad in Panama and Korea and was even there during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. I haven't been traveling as much recently, but I do love to travel. I have been to several countries in Europe - Austria, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Belgium.
And your college years?
I attended Baldwin Wallace University - The Conservatory of Performing Arts, near Cleveland, Ohio. That’s when I got my first paid job, a summer internship at a Donna Karan outlet near my parents’ home. It was my first time in a customer service role, and I remember wanting to deliver a great experience – supporting their decisions with product knowledge and exceptional service.
Left to right: Christopher Maguire, BSH Consultant Nicole Ramos and Chef Eric Morales, testing some new recipes in one of the BSH kitchens.
After college what path did you take?
I have worked principally in Beauty and Fashion, with brands like La Prairie, Tom Ford, Lululemon, and Clé de Peau Beauté. To strengthen my career objectives, I also completed certification programs in Psychology of Leadership and Leading a Culture of Service Excellence at Cornell University.
And your current position, does it relate to your prior work?
My roles have often focused on Learning and Development, and this was a natural transition into my current role. What we offer here at the BSH Experience & Design Center is a service experience that elevates appliances and creates a value-focused impression. Brands have a living voice, and we support their brand impression through service.
Remind us of the relationship between BSH and Thermador.
Thermador is a brand within the BSH Portfolio and represents a brand with a rich American Heritage. It’s known for innovation and many "firsts" within the appliance industry.
Were you always interested in the kitchen/bath design world?
Perhaps not exclusively to kitchen and bath, but I love design as a whole. I was reading Architectural Digest and Unique Homes when I was in Middle School.
Do you like to cook?
I love to both cook and bake. I am the one who makes all the meals for our family holidays. I make a delicious chocolate chip cookie, too.
Top thing on your bucket list?
To get to Italy for the food and fashion, or maybe the fashion and food.
Thanks, Christopher. Your neighbors will miss out not hearing the sound of your clarinet melodies, but will definitely be enticed by the aroma of your holiday feast preparations.
Welcome New Members
Sandra Dolfino, Sophisticated Productions LLC
Cielo Cortes, DesignGLXY Group
Michelle Jacobson, DesignGLXY Group
Phoebe Beachner, DesignGLXY Group
Yvonne Cannon, Yvonne Cannon
Esperancia Juntunen, FIT Student
Donna Herman, Modern Luxury Media Interiors
Todd Goldblatt, Lutron
Reilly Ward, Lutron
Xinyu Ruan, Sunshe Inc.
Angelo Loscrudato, Angelo Loscrudato Design
Avi Yehuda, Kitchen & Bath by Glamour Designs
David Mann, Kitchen & Bath by Glamour Designs
Membership Drive Extension
Become a Member Today!
Our annual membership drive has been extended to December 8th.
New members will be eligible to win this luxury fixture from Franz Viegener!
Don't wait -- join today. Use the QR code to the left..
Annual Members Survey - Open to all now!
Your feedback helps shape the future of NKBA Manhattan-NYC!
We'd like to make sure you're getting the most value from your NKBA Manhattan-NYC membership. Please take a few minutes to answer the survey, link below. If you are a prospective member, you are also welcome to complete our survey (and we hope you will become an NKBA Manhattan member soon!) We will share all survey results with Chapter officers. Your answers will remain confidential unless you decide to share your name.
Thank you for your participation in our 2025 Membership Survey.
Each year KBDN (Kitchen & Bath Design News) honors designers and industry professionals who lead through education, association participation, community service and charity work. Three of our NY Chapter friends were included:
Jeannine Price, incoming NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter President, was selected for her professional commitment to NKBA and other design organizations. She has co-chaired EDU Day, collaborated with industry partners to advance sustainable practices, and continues to mentor the next generation of designers entering the field. Read more here.
Michael Kaestner, a kitchen designer celebrating 20 years, is appreciated for how he shares information and helps his fellow colleagues whenever a need arises and readily volunteers his time to both competitors and vendors. Read more here.
Ellen Lopez, is noted for her service on the NKBA Chapter Leadership Committee Board, as a design judge for the 2025 International Design Competition, and her upcoming position as Programs Chair for the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter, to mention a few. Read more here.
Highlights from CEDIA
From Tony Monteleone on the Designer & Integrator Relationships Panel Discussion
At the “Designer & Integrator Relationships…Make Sure Everybody Wins” panel, we explored how strong partnerships between designers and integrators drive both client satisfaction and project success. Toni Sabatino emphasized that trust, communication, and clear delineation of responsibilities are paramount, noting that technology should enhance the user experience while aligning seamlessly with aesthetics.
Rex Aguirre reinforced the importance of transparency, early collaboration, and realistic expectations with clients to ensure delivery of top technology integrations that complement the design vision. Through collaborations such as a Water Mill, NY media room, a 22-foot stone wall media installation, and complex kitchen/bar integration, the panel highlighted how proactive problem-solving, shared vision, and respect for each other’s expertise create efficient, beautiful, and functional spaces.
The discussion also covered client access, financial models, and incentives. Both panelists underscored the value of keeping the client at the center while ensuring fair compensation for each professional. Overall, the session demonstrated that when designers and integrators collaborate effectively, everyone—from the team to the homeowner—wins.
From Rex Aguirre on Cedia
Homeowners turn to interior designers to help them create beautiful environments. That’s no longer enough. Now people’s homes have to look beautiful and take advantage of the latest technology.
Designer Toni Sabatino frames it perfectly when she asks her clients, “Who’s going to take care of your security, comfort, and entertainment?” Toni gets it. But many interior designers are leery of technology, concerned that it will look ugly and interfere with their aesthetic.
As a technology designer, I consider it part of my job to educate designers about what smart technology can accomplish. It’s important for me to build relationships and earn designers’ trust so that we can work together as a team to give homeowners the best of both worlds. It’s one thing for us to talk about the merits of our technology solutions. It’s quite another to demonstrate this in person.
That’s why it was so powerful for us to walk the show at CEDIA with some of our NKBA Manhattan design colleagues. They were able to see, touch, and interact with the latest technology — up-close. We were there to provide answers and guidance.
You can literally see the lightbulb go off when a designer experiences technology that is designed to disappear, which makes homeowners’ lives easy, efficient, and comfortable. The possibilities are endless! It’s why more designers should attend CEDIA. It’s a game-changer.
From Toni Sabatino
It was an honor to emcee the CEDIA Smart Home Awards for the second year in a row! Having Katye McGregor Bennett and KMB Communications as the headline sponsor made this a meaningful culmination of the tech-and-design connection begun seven years ago. The collaboration of design and tech professionals continues to create homes that deliver the very best in security, comfort, and entertainment. The results are truly magical. Big thanks to the CEDIA staff and event sponsors—D-Tools, Daisy, Sonos, Somfy, Leon, Torus Power, Apex, Quantum Media Systems, and Wall-Smart—for such a special evening. And huge congratulations to the winners for the beautiful, connected designs, innovative products, and lifetime achievements!
BDNY 2025
Hospitality’s Boutique Design New York Trade Fair takes place from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 9th, and Monday, November 10th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Ave, NYC, 10001. Please stop by the following NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter Sponsors to see their latest products and thank them for their support of our chapter.
√ TAKE Three NKBA Design + Business Online Webinars
1. Creating Functional Homes Through Technology .1CEU
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
2. Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Business in 2026 .1CEU
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
3. Smart Design: Integrating Technology for Beautiful and Functional Kitchens .1CEU
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
NOTE: Each seminar provides .1CEU unless otherwise stated and they are free for NKBA members. Click here for more info about the November 2025 webinars and to register.
You’ll be glad you did.
Hastings honored with the 2025 DPHA Product of the Year Award
The Etoile Collection by Hastings Bath Collection has been honored with the 2025 DPHA Product of the Year Award in the Bath Furniture category — a recognition that celebrates excellence in design, innovation, and craftsmanship within the decorative plumbing and hardware industry. Chosen by a panel of design professionals and industry leaders, the award underscores Hastings’ continued influence within the evolving landscape of bath design.
Franz Viegener announces the debut of its newest collection: Zephyr. Marking a new chapter in the brand’s design evolution, Zephyr embodies luxury with intention; a seamless blend of Art Deco inspiration, refined geometry, and modern minimalism. Rather than replicate the past, Zephyr distills it. The collection draws subtle cues from the Belle Époque and Art Deco movements, translating their ornamental richness into minimalist silhouettes defined by proportion and intention. Every curve and contour is purposefully restrained, allowing the form to breathe with quiet confidence. In Zephyr, beauty emerges not from excess, but from precision.
Safer cooking with Porcelanosa’s Smart Kitchen invisible induction cooktops
Porcelanosa’s SmartKitchen system incorporates an invisible dual-induction cooktop hidden beneath the worktop, which means the surface remains flat and seamless when the burners aren’t in use. 3rings+1 One of the built-in safety advantages is that the heating only activates when compatible cookware is present — helping to reduce risk of accidental burn for kids or pets into the cooktop area. Additionally, since the surface remains effectively cool when inactive and lacks open flames or exposed coils, the risk zone is minimized—making it a safer option in homes with little ones or curious pets.
SKS Heats Up Aspen with Bold Culinary Debut at the 2025 FOOD & WINE Classic
SKS, the luxury appliance brand known for precision and culinary-driven innovation, made a standout debut as the exclusive appliance partner of the 2025 FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. Over three days, attendees experienced SKS’s True to Food™ philosophy through dynamic demos, immersive product displays and conversations with top talent including James Beard Award winner Stephanie Izard and acclaimed food author Mark Bittman. Bittman joined SKS Executive Chef Nick Ritchie for a featured seminar showcasing sous vide, steam and searing techniques using advanced SKS appliances—proving that home cooks can now achieve restaurant-quality performance with ease.
Thermador proudly served as the exclusive appliance provider for the 50th Anniversary of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Twenty-one talented designers and architects were enlisted to transform the extraordinary townhouse into a masterpiece of design.
At the heart of the home was the "Kips Bay Kitchen," a stunning space conceived by renowned designer Christopher Peacock. His vision was brought to life with a full suite of Thermador appliances, which were seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry. The kitchen beautifully showcased the perfect union of cutting-edge innovation, superior craftsmanship, and exquisite design that defines the Thermador brand. This collaboration highlighted a deep commitment to luxury and performance, demonstrating why the brand is a cornerstone of visionary kitchen design.
Define a Room’s Mood with Cambria Quartz and the Benjamin Moore 2026 Color of the Year
Color sets the tone for how we experience a space—and the right material pairings can elevate that emotional impact. In collaboration with Benjamin Moore, Cambria explores how the 2026 Color of the Year—Silhouette, a deep charcoal with espresso warmth—harmonizes with Cambria’s warm white quartz designs to create interiors that feel both timeless and personal. Inspired by the elegance of tailored fashion, Benjamin Moore’s accompanying Tailored Classics palette offers versatile, enduring choices that resist fast-paced trend cycles. Discover expert insights from Benjamin Moore’s Color Marketing & Development Specialist Molly Lynch and see how thoughtful pairings bring mood, balance, and beauty into every room.
The Communications Committee seeks contributors for outbound marketing to provide relevant industry news. We'd love you to join our team if you have social media or writing skills. Please contact Communications@nkbamanhattan.org.
The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creation of certifications, marketplaces, and networks.
